US EAST COAST

INTRODUCTION TO US EAST COAST

Sure the West Coast is glamorous and the Southern States are renowned for their hospitality, but if you want mighty megacities, historical landmarks and scrumptious seafood, a USA East Coast tour is simply where it's at. Landscaped by delightful towns and even more delightful people, the word ‘diverse’ doesn’t do justice to the historical tapestry that makes up the East Coast. The Jazzy French-Caribbean culinary delights of the light up New Orleans, the 17th Century architecture of Charleston, the iconic landmarks of politically-charged D.C and the cloud-piercing skyscrapers of bold Chicago are just a few of the destinations that will have you head-over-heels for the USA’s East Coast. You’ll likely have been drawn to the East Coast by the trendy neighbourhoods of New York, but you’ll stay for the awe-inspiring activities, mind-blowing nature and undeniable magic that this part of the world has to offer.

Didn’t consider the East Coast much of a beachy hot spot? How wrong you are. From the sizzling Latin beaches boasted by stylish Miami, to the famed shores of Daytona Beach, the East Coast can offer you the sandy getaway you’ve been craving, and then some. If that wasn’t enough, perhaps you’ll be tempted by Texan BBQ, or Philly Cheesesteaks - neither of which are for the faint-hearted. Gators, mountains and eagles make up the backdrop of the East Coast countryside, dotted with picturesque towns and serene lakes and just oozing with road-trip potential. Want to get into the nitty-gritty of the USA’s history? With Liberty Bell and Philadelphia's Independence Hall all on its doorstep, the East Coast has an abundance of landmarks and monuments to get you well and truly clued up on the Nation's beginnings.

Everyone is pulled to the East Coast for different reasons, be it the connection with the nation’s history, the exciting melange of cultures and interests, or the humbling, soul-warming cuisine that you just won’t find anywhere else. No matter your reason for visiting, you’ll stay for one reason: the sense of community in Eastern USA, that will have you meeting people you could’ve sworn you knew in a past life. An East Coast trip will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about the American way of life.

THINGS TO DO ON THE US EAST COAST

Explore the amazing sites and neighbourhoods of New York

New York City is defined by the unique personality of each of its neighbourhoods. With Contiki, you’ll get to know the three that have commanded the world’s attention, each of them wildly different. The urban shopping district of Soho is known for its well-preserved buildings and abundant art spaces, whilst Greenwich Village is a hubbub of diversity where the city's creative counterculture movement was manifested. Lastly, we’ll delve into the uber-hip neighbourhood of TriBeCa, with its cobblestone streets, trendy eats and opportunities for celeb-spotting. Having gotten to grips with the ‘real’ New York, you’ll go home feeling like a local.

Discover some of America’s great historical locations including Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, Philidelphia

Dubbed ‘the city of brotherly love’, Philadelphia has so much more than just cheesesteaks; this city is steeped in the USA’s rich history. Home to some of the USA’s most revolutionary monuments, we’ll visit Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were both signed. This iconic building is now listed as a world heritage site, and merely standing in front of it will emulate the legacy of this epic country. We’ll also whirl past Liberty Bell, another iconic symbol of American Independence which sits in the Independence National Historical Park. If you’re looking for the birthplace of the USA, you’ve found it in Philly.

Take a tour of Washington DC’s top sights including the White House and the Washington Monument

You’ve dreamt about it, and now you’re finally here: Washington D.C, the country’s capital. This city is framed by the history that oozes out of every monument, museum and iconic site, and there’s only one way to see them all. We’ll oversee all of D.C’s top sights including the vast, iconic White House and its sprawling grounds - a building known throughout the world that is famously home to the US President. Selfies snapped, other sights will include the Washington Monument, an obelisk (basically a tall, thin pyramid) built to commemorate George Washington. We’ll leave feeling like we’ve all but conquered the city.

Explore the 17th Century architectural wonders of Charleston

Now it simply wouldn’t be an Eastern adventure without a stop off at Charleston for some good old shrimp and grits. Fuelled by Southern cuisine, we’ll wander past horse-drawn carriages to explore the history of the city’s 17th-century architecture. If there was ever a city to transport you back in time, it’s Charleston. Flowers bloom abundantly in front of whitewashed Georgian-style mansions, quaint pastel-coloured Antebellum houses in the French Quarter, and huge federal landmarks emulate throwback vibes at every turn. Cameras should remain at the ready as we unearth the wonders of this well-preserved American time capsule, where the chaos of modern big city life seems miles away…

See Savannah’s historic garden city squares, homes and gardens made famous by the film Forrest Gump

There ain’t nothin’ like a little Southern hospitality and Savannah, Georgia’s oldest city, has got it in spades. This charming city features quaint cobblestone streets, weeping willows and impressive period-era colonial mansions, all there for you to explore in the balmy Georgian heat. As the atmospheric backdrop for the American classic Forrest Gump, it’s only right that we embark on a walking tour of the lush garden city squares that bloom with flowers all year round and even take a bucket-list photo on *that* bench. Churches, fountains and historic statues will have us swooning at every turn.

Sure exploring the earth is pretty awesome, but every now and again we’re bound to look up and wish we could explore what lies beyond the stars - especially under the vast Southern skies. Well wish no more! Since we’re in the area, we’ll treat you by swinging by our friends at NASA for a spot of intergalactic exploration at the Nasa Kennedy Space Center, Florida’s gateway to space. Embracing our inner (or even outer) space nerd, we’ll look into the inspiration behind the moon landing, gawk at a real-life space shuttle and even emulate the Apollo era with interactive experiences, reminding you to always reach for the stars.

Soak up some rays at Daytona Beach

All that high-energy exploring has got us pining for something a little less heavy on the brain. A little r&r on one of the world’s most famous beaches should hit the spot. Here on Daytona beach, tanning is the game - and people take it very seriously. If you’re not keen to slap on the baby oil, there are plenty of other ways to relax on this 23 mile stretch of golden sand. Venture off the beaten track for a stroll, or simply switch off your phone and tune into the calming sound of the waves under the gorgeous Florida sun. Ah, this is the life.

Recreate Miami Vice with a ‘Thriller’ speed boat ride

It wouldn’t be a trip to Miami without a little Miami Vice action - and what better way to recreate this sexy adventure TV show than with a speedboat ride? Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a chill-seeker, this exciting ride will give you the perfect view of the city from the clear water. Gripping onto your travel BFF for dear life, you’ll whizz round mansions on Star Island, speed past Miami beach and experience the harbour in true Miami Vice fashion. After all, if you can’t be extra in Miami then you can’t be extra anywhere…

Spend your evening like a celeb with a boat party cruise around Miami Harbour

Have you ever wondered what living your best life in the USA looks like? No? Let us paint you a picture. Dressed to the nines and with a belly food of mouth-watering Cuban sandwiches, you’ll live out your celebrity-inspired fantasies as you embark on a boat party cruise with your travel besties around the famed Miami Harbour. With your favourite tunes blasting and a cocktail in hand, you’ll show off your best dance moves as you cruise past high-rise buildings and over crystal clear waters, all under the beaming Miami sun. It really doesn’t get any more epic than this.

Explore Miami’s vibrant Art Deco architecture and take in the city’s famous nightlife

Welcome to Miami, the flamboyant gem of the nation’s South East. If you thought you could get away with black on black here, you’re wrong - colourful attire and salsa influences rule this town. One of the highlights of this tropical paradise is its vibrant art-deco architecture. Alongside being full-on travel porn, the 1920’s buildings juxtaposed against the vintage cars and fedora’s will have you transported back in time to the city’s heyday. The retro vibes don’t stop there: hitting the town at night will expose you to the city’s thriving Latin underbelly, and you’ll be spoilt for choice with salsa bars where you can dance til dawn.

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TOP 5 FESTIVALS IN THE EAST COAST

There ain’t no party like an East Coast party! Okay, we just made that up - but seriously, East Coast festivals are where it's at. These 5 gatherings are the best representation of East Coast life harbouring community spirit, oozing with soulful love, and full to the brim with flavour and fun.

Parks on Tap, across Philadelphia

Have you ever heard of a travelling beer garden? Now you have. Parks on tap brings its beer garden to 20 different cities in Philadelphia for 20 weeks, bringing the whole community of Philly together for some good old springtime R&R. What better way to welcome the sunnier months?

Taking place each year on Labor Day, this 2-day all-American music festival is curated by none other than rap powerhouse Jay-Z. If that’s not enough to get you interested, we don’t know what is. Gourmet food trucks, established artists and all-round good vibes will keep you truly entertained at this Philly festival.

Ultra Music Festival, Bayfront Park, Miami

Surrounded by Miami’s towering silver buildings, Ultra festival explodes onto the scene every year as the city’s most anticipated house and techno event. Featuring the world’s most esteemed DJ’s, you truly haven’t partied until you’ve partied with the people of Miami. Time to don your best glitter paint, this is a party from dusk till dawn.

High Water Fest, 1001 Everglades Ave, North Charleston

South Carolina sure knows how to party, as will become clear at the High Water Fest which takes place annually in April. No, it’s not a giant watertight as the name suggests; this is a celebration of the South’s finest food, fun and sweet sounds, all with a bespoke rustic atmosphere.

Capital Pride, Washington DC

Bringing together the nation’s colourful LGBTQ+ community to the country’s heart, the festival exudes the philosophy that our differences are what bring us together. This parade celebrates everything that’s beautiful about America; diversity, community and acceptance, while championing the inspiring journey of the nations gay communities. Oh, and it’s a whole lotta fun to boot.

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TOP 5 MUSEUMS ON THE EAST COAST

Do your interests lie beyond the clouds, or are you more fascinated by all the hidden activity below the earth? Perhaps you like looking back in time, or maybe you’re more excited by the future? Whatever the case, these museums will thrill you, stun you and inform you to make you all the wiser about the USA’s eclectic East Coast.

Independence Hall, Philadelphia

As the building where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were both signed, you could say that this is the ‘official’ birthplace of the USA. This iconic building is now listed as a world heritage site, and merely standing in front of it will emulate the legacy of this epic country.

National Air and Space Museum, Washington DC

Got your head in the clouds? You’ll love the National Air and Space Museum. Gaining a deeper understanding of space travel, aerodynamics, and our place in the vast universe, you definitely won’t run out of fascinating things to see here. You might even be tempted to take up a new career in the clouds...

National Museum of Natural History, Washington DC

In such a monumental city, it’s no surprise that the National Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s biggest and most prominent scientific learning institutions. Containing over 126 million specimens for you to peruse at your leisure, your head will soon be filled with knowledge of the world’s cultural, natural and archaeological history.

Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, Miami

This is not your average Science Museum. In fact, chances are you’ll never visit a science museum quite like it. With an in-house planetarium, a ceiling that doubles up as an aquarium and pretty much every science-related exhibition you could think of, this is a science museum to rival the rest.

American Prohibition Museum, Savannah

Can you imagine being denied your Friday night cocktails? Yeah, not fun. The American prohibition era was certainly a turbulent time, and you can learn all about it at Savannah’s prohibition museum, America’s first and only museum dedicated to all things prohibition. Bringing the roaring 20’s to life, you’ll dive right into the propaganda and drama that fuelled the anti-prohibition movement.

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FOOD ON THE US EAST COAST

What is East Coast food, you ask? The real question is, what isn’t it? The hearty soul food of the south, the Latin flavour of Miami, the freshly-caught seafood of the bay and all the vegan cafes, gastro pop-ups and street food markets you can find in-between. When it comes to food, the East Coast brings the goods.

Cheesesteak

So you’ve heard of cheesecake, now get ready for cheesesteaks. Everyone’s 2 favourite things put together in a sandwich sounds almost too good to be true, right? Well just wait until you try a cheesesteak at Jim’s, the best Cheesesteak restaurant in Philly. This is where you come if you live by the motto ‘only the best will do.’

Best eaten at - Jim’s South Street, 400 South St., Philadelphia

Fried Chicken

Martha Lou’s snug soul food joint has everyone in the surrounding areas, and worldwide, flocking for a taste. Don’t be fooled by its humble exterior, Martha Lou has been praised by some of the world’s top critics for her home cooked recipes. Try the fried chicken for an out of body experience.

Best eaten at - Martha Lou’s Kitchen, 1068 Morrison Dr, Charleston

Crab Stew

Serving up the very best of the South’s soul food, Narobia’s crab stew will not disappoint. Creamy, jam-packed with spices and infinitely heartwarming, you’ll feel like you’re eating in someone’s living room. If you’re someone who could never really get excited about seafood, let Narobia’s change your mind…

BBQ Brisket and Ribs

This popular BBQ spot serves slow-cooked southern staples with a side of sweet Georgian hospitality. What to order? For the true taste of the South, ordered the BBQ brisket and ribs. As succulent as it is decadent, this meat-feast will have you rethinking that tight fighting pair of jeans you opted to wear…

Arepas

An East-Coast favourite, arepas are pockets of Latin American maize-bread filled with salad, cheese, meat and plantain. They may be small, but they pack a punch. Enjoy them at La Latina, a colourful restaurant capturing the sizzling latin flavour that permeates through every street of this South-Eastern city.